Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 27,408, Jonathan Drown, Continental Mass.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Continental Navy
Drown, Jonathan Sarah
W 27.408
CONTENTS
[Blank lined area for contents]
[Blank lined area for contents]

Rehoboth, Town Clerks Office, September 24 th 1836. I hereby Certify, that it appears from the records in this office, that Sarah Wheeler, Daughter of Valentine Wheeler and of his Wife Sarah, was Born September ye 14 th 1749, duly examined by me, Cyrus McWheaton Town Clerk.

Massachusetts
Sarah Drown
widow of Jonathan Drown
who died in the year 1807; of Bristol as in the State of Massachusetts who was a Lieut & Capt in the _____ commanded by Captain _____ of the reg t . commanded by Col. Sargent _____ in the _____ line for 18 mos. 6 dys Capt, & 5 mos 24 dys Lieut.
Increased from $441 36 / 100 per an-
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 161 Dollars 33 Cents, per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 27 th day of December, 1831 and sent to Hon. N. B. Borden, Ho. of Reps.
Arrears to the 4th of Sept r 1837 = $2998:64 Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Mar. 38. 230.66
$3229.30
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the 3 d }
Recorded by S. A. Elish Clerk.
Book 4, Vol. 2 Page 49.

paid at Treasury, under act 6 April, 1838, from 4 March 1841 to 7 June, 1841. Agent notified 3 rd April, 1846.

I Cyrus M. Wheaton of Rehoboth in the county of Bristol and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, do testify and say that I am clerk of said town of Rehoboth, that it appears by the records of said town now in my possession and custody, that Jonathan Brown and Sarah Wheeler both of said Rehoboth, were joined in Marriage by Nathan Pierce Elder of the Easternmost Baptist Church in Rehoboth on the twenty first day of January Seventeen hundred & Seventy one - I further testify & say that I think I have heretofore given a certificate of the Marriage of the said Brown & Wheeler & think it was stated in that certificate as having been solemnized on the twenty third day of January Seventeen hundred and Seventy one instead of the twenty first day of said January - The record appears to be susceptible of being read twenty one or twenty three, and on close & critical & frequent examinations I now think the record of their marriage will read on the twenty first day of January Seventeen hundred & Seventy one - duly Examined by me -
Cyrus M. Wheaton Town clerk -
Rehoboth Oct 30 th 1837 -
Bristol ss. Oct. 30 th . 1837. Personally appeared before me the above named Cyrus M. Wheaton, known to me as Town Clerk of Rehoboth, and made oath that the above Certificate is true and correct.
Sam l Morse Justice of the Peace.

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
SECOND COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE.
October 3 d , 1845.
Sir:
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An Act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," and the third section of the Act of August 23, 1842, extending the time within which pensioners may receive their pensions from the pension agents, The Executors of Sarah Brown, decd. a Pensioner on the Roll of the Massachusetts Agency, at the rate of Four hundred & sixty one Dollars and 33 Cents per annum, under the law of the 4 th July 1836, has been paid at this Department, from the 4 th of March 1841, to the 7 th June 1845.
Respectfully, yours,
W. L. Harris
Comptroller.
To the COMMISSIONER OF PENSIONS,
Present.
Present

Whereas I, Sarah Brown, am a son of Jonathan Brown and Sarah Brown, both now deceased, and whereas the said Sarah Brown was allowed a pension on account of the services of her husband the said Jonathan Brown, as a Captain in the war of the Revolution, at the rate of $240. per annum, and whereas it doth appear that my Father the said Jonathan Brown did serve in the capacity of Captain about one year and six months, and am advised that the children of the said Sarah Brown are entitled to an increase of her said pension on account of the services of the said Jonathan Brown as a Captain, Now therefore I do hereby constitute and appoint Henry H. Schuyler Esq. of the City of Washington my true and lawful agent and attorney for me and in my name and in the name and behalf of all the surviving children of the said Jonathan & Sarah Brown, deceased to present and prosecute our claim to such increased amount of pension as we may be by law entitled to. Witness my hand and seal at Canaan this 22 nd day of Jan A.D. 1851.
Executed in presence of John L. Clark
Sarah Brown
State of New York
Columbia County ss. On this 22 nd day of Jan A.D. 1851 before me the subscriber a Justice of the peace in and for said County personally appeared Sarah Brown, above named and to me known, and acknow- ledged the foregoing power of attorney to be her act and deed — John L. Clark Justice of the Peace

State of New York
Columbia County ss. Sarah Brown of the Town of Canaan in said County being duly sworn according to law doth depose that he is a son of Jonathan and Sarah Brown, deceased and that he is directly interested as one of their children in the claim, and application about to be made for an increase of the pension allowed to the said Sarah Brown, on account of the services of her husband the said Jonathan Brown, as set forth in the within power of attorney - Sarah Brown
Sworn to and subscribed on this 22 nd day of June A.D. 1851 before me John C. Clark Justice of the Peace
Sarah Brown. and her son - M. C. Clark
State of New York
Columbia County Clerk's office ss. I John R. Currie Clerk of said County & also Clerk of the Courts of Record therein do hereby certify that John C. Clark before whom the foregoing deposition was taken was at the time of taking the same a Justice of the Peace in and for said County Elected and sworn and duly authorized to take the same and to administer oaths for general purposes and further that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of the said Justice and verily believe that the signature to the Jurat and certificate subjoined to said deposition is his genuine signature.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said Courts and County this 24 th day of June A.D. 1851
John R. Currie Clerk

275 Sarah Drown widow of Jonathan
No. 275 Declaration of Sarah Drown
Vol 14. 41. in 75- Doc. ct. 1. St in 75- " 5. 3 med. St in 76 Capt 1 Jany. 77- to 5 Oct. 78- viz. 21. 60.
should be adm d . for St. 6 Capt
2 24 24 10
adm d ?
18 mo. 6. ds Capt 5. 24. " Lieut.
24 -
no deduction
Hon. A. B. Borden

State of Massachusetts } ss County of Bristol }
On this twenty-fourth day September Eighteen hundred and thirty-six personally appeared before me John H Williams one of the judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the State of Massachusetts but a Resident in the County of Bristol in said State Sarah Drown a Resident of Rehoboth in the County of Bristol and State of Massachusetts aged Eighty seven years, and upwards who first being duly sworn according to Law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress Passed July 4 th 1836. That She the said Sarah Drown is the lawful Widow of Jonathan Drown Late of said Rehoboth deceased that she was married to the said Jonathan Drown on the twenty third day of January Seventeen hundred and Seventy one that he the said Jonathan Drown Enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year Seventeen hundred and Seventy five the latter part of the month of April in the Vicinity of Boston with Cyril Smith and others that he served in the following Regiments viz Col. Sargents. Col. Gamaliel Bradford's Col. W. R. Lee's and Lt Col. Wm Smith's that he served in the Vicinity of Boston Untill the fore part of June Seventeen hundred and Seventy Eight and then marched to join the Grand Army in the State of Pennsylvania; that according to the best of her Recollection he Received his first Commission as Lieutenant on or about the first day of July Seventeen hundred and Seventy five and his second Commission as Lieutenant the fore part of the year of Seventeen hundred and Seventy six and his Commission as Captain the first day of January Seventeen hundred and Seventy seven and his discharge the fifth day of October Seventeen hundred and Seventy Eight the said Commissions signed by John Hancock and the discharge by Gen. Sullivan that in the autumn of Eighteen hundred and thirty five the said Commissions and discharge by her Request was delivered to Nathaniel B Borden of Fall River together with a petition to Congress for some Relief; and as she has been informed they were presented to Congress and she believes that they are now in the Capitol at Washington as she has not seen them Since; that the said Jonathan Drown died in Alexandria in the State of Virginia the last part of the year 1807 or the fore part of the year 1808 he being a great distance from home and Poor and among Strangers no Exact date of his death was sent her his Complaint she believes was the dropsy that she has never been married Since but still Remains the lawful Widow of the said Jonathan Drown.
She hereby Relinquishes Every Claim whatsoever to a Pension or an annuity Except the present and she declares that her name is not on the Pension Roll of any agency in any State Sarah Drown Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid, Before me John H Williams Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the State of Massachusetts

I John M Williams the aforesaid Judge do hereby declare my Opinion that the afore named Sarah Drown is the widow of the before named Jonathan Drown and that she was married to the said Jonathan Drown at the time she states and that the said Jonathan Drown did serve as she states in her declaration and that he died as is stated and that she the said Sarah Drown has not since been married but is now the widow of the said Jonathan Drown. Likewise that the commences and discharge of the said Jonathan Drown was disposed of as is stated in her Declaration.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said Court this twenty-fourth day of September one Thousand Eight hundred and thirty-six. John M. Williams, Judge of C.C.P. Bristol.
I hereby certify that the above named Sarah Drown is, from bodily infirmity, unable to attend the Court.
John M. Williams, J.C.P. Bristol.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of Bristol
I James Sproat Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Bristol. Certify that John M Williams is one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the state of Massachusetts and is a Resident in the County of Bristol and that the above signatures purporting to be his are genuine.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the said Court this twenty-sixth day of September Eighteen hundred and thirty-six.
J. Sproat

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
WASHINGTON, D. C., January 11, 1896.
U. S. N. Div.
P. S.
W. P. C.
27. 27408
Sir:
In response to your request for the military record of Jonathan Drown , an officer of the Revolutionary war, you are advised that his widow, Sarah Drown , was pensioned for his services as a Lieutenant and Captain in that war, but his services are not clearly stated in any of the papers on file with her case. It appears, however, that as early as November, 1775, he was serving as a Lieutenant in Col. Sargent's Mass. regiment (probably in the company commanded by Capt. Samuel Bliss); in the months of April and June, 1777, was serving as a Captain in Col. Gamaliel Bradford's Mass. regiment, and in August, 1778, was Captain of a company of Foot in the regiment commanded by Lt. Col. Wm. T. Smith. There is on file with the papers a certificate from the office of the Secretary of State of Massachusetts stating that "Jonathan Drown was in service as a Captain in Col. H. Jackson's Mass. regiment from January 1, 1777, to October 5, 1778, when he was honorably discharged."
In Heitman's Historical Register, a private publication containing the names of Officers of the Continental Army, etc., the

following is found concerning him:
"Drowne, Jonathan (Mass). 1st Lieutenant 16th Continental Infantry, 1st January to 31st December, 1776; Captain of Lee's Additional Continental Regiment, February, 1777; resigned - November, 1778."
It appears that he married Sarah Wheeler on January 23, 1771, and that he died in Alexandria, Va., about 1807 or 1808.
At the date of the widow's application for pension, September 24, 1836, she was residing in the town of Rehoboth, Mass., and eighty-seven years of age.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.
Mr. John W. Drown,
Room 22, 476 Main St.,
Worcester, Mass.

key WIDOW, &c.
File No. 27408
Sarah Drown
Widow of
Jonathan Drown
Capt Rev War
Act July 4 th 36
Index: Vol. A , Page 196
[Arrangement of 1877.]

Aug 11, 1896 Mil. history to John W. Brown, Worcester, Ms.

Massachusetts
Sarah Hewins of Bristol in the State of Mass
who was a _____ in the _____ commander by Captain _____ of the _____ commanded by _____ in the _____ widow of Jonathan Brown late a Lieut. Captain in the Revolution
Inscribed on the Roll of Mass o at the rate of 44 Dollars 36 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 17 day of June 1837 and sent Hon. N. B. Borden Secy of Reps.
Arrears to the 4th of Sept. 1836 $2,427.48 Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 Mar 37 220.68 $2,648.16
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by N. B. Borden Clerk, Book 1 Vol. 1 Page 48
See let to Pen Agt. Feby 8. 1837 to Abialhan White Apr 8. 1837 - do. to same, July 8. 1837 - do. to John Drew V.P. Agt. Oct 9. 1837 -

1) Sarah Brown } Map 38 - 389 ✓ 2) Bethia Dyer - } Map - 36 592 ✓
3) Rachel Foster Map - 36 243
4) Hannah George } Map - 36 - 2982 ✓
June 25 1837. Hon D. Root Mr Fowler
4/15/37

4 cases called for - 3 cases ex. by O'Forol
1 case cannot found
Adkins -

Cyril Smith Affidavit

Commonwealth of Massachusetts } ss Bristol County.
Cyril Smith of Attleborough in Said County of Bristol Yeoman being Seventy nine years old and upwards maketh Oath and sayeth that in the year Seventeen hundred and seventy five the fore part of may he Entered the Service of the United States in the Company Commanded by Capt Samuel Bliss and that Jonathan Drown was in Said Company the fore part of the Campaign but he the Said Cyril Smith was Soon taken sick and Left the Company and do not know what became of the Said Jonathan Drown afterwards
Cyril Smith
Bristol ss September 23 d 1836
Then the above named Cyril Smith personally appeared and made Oath in due form of law that the above declaration by him Subscribed is true
Before me Abiathar White Justice of the Peace
I hereby Certify that the above named Cyril Smith is a Credible Witness and that his Testimony is Entitled to full Credit
Abiathar White Justice of the Peace
I hereby Certify that the Endorsements on the Captains name and at the words Old and Left were made before it was signed or sworn to by Cyril Smith Abiathar White Justice of the Peace

- Susp? - Sarah Drown widow of Jonathan Drown Mass.
Ans? Hon. N. B. Burdew Jan. 13: 1837 -
See letter to Hon. Burleigh H. R. Jan. 13. 1832

Hon. d
James L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions City of Washington
District of Columbia

North Dighton State of Massachusetts County of Bristol September 26 th 1836
Sir
I herewith send you the declaration of Sarah Drown which she has made in order to obtain the benefit of the act of July 4 th 1836 and likewise the proof produced before the judge consisting of Documents and Affidavits; the documents No 1 Shows that he the i.e. Jonathan Drown was a lieutenant the 22 d of November 1775 and in Col o Seargent's Reg t No 2 Shows (on the line showing the time the soldier Enlisted.) that he was Captain as Early as the 25 th of February 1777 No 3 Shows that he was Captain April 25 th 1777 and in Col o Bradfords Reg t No 4 Shows that he served under Col o Lee No 5 Shows that he marched to join the Grand Army and No 6 Shows that he served as Captain under Lt Col o Smith during the month of August 1778. Mrs Drown wishes me to state to you that if you will be so good as to obtain those Commissions and discharge named in her affidavit Declaration that you shall be compensated to any amount you say and I will Vouch for the fulfillment of that promise you will please to give me the Earliest information respecting the fate of her declaration you Possible Can and if any thing more is wanting please to state it. I should be pleased to know whether the Clerk's Certificate of My Justiceship will not supersede the necessity of his Certifying again (while my Commission lasts) I wish to know this for I expect soon i.e. after our Court to send on again and I wish to save Expense for the Widows
Respectfully yours
The Honourable J L Edwards Commissioner of Pensions City of Washington
Abiahu White
P.S. Please to state whether my Communications of the first of this month has arrived and whether my Request can be granted A.W.
24 18.6 5.24

Abiathar White Clerk of Court for
(Abiathar White)
Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of Bristol } ss
I James Sproat Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the the said County of Bristol Certify that Abiathar White is a Justice of the Peace now in Commission in and for said County. That his Commission Commenced on the twentyfifth day of June Eighteen hundred and thirty three and will End on the twentyfourth day of June Eighteen hundred and Forty; and the above Signature and the Signatures annexed to the Affidavits of Joshua Drown Cyril Smith and Cyrus M Wheaton purporting to be his are Genuine.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Affixed the Seal of the Said Court this twenty sixth day of September Eighteen hundred and thirty six J. Sproat

Joshua Drown Affidavit

Commonwealth of Massachusetts } ss County of Bristol }
Joshua Drown of Taunton in the said County of Bristol yeoman Maketh Oath and sayeth that on the last part of the month of November in the year of Eighteen hundred and thirty-five he by the request of Sarah Drown Widow of Jonathan Drown late of Rehoboth deceased did deliver into the hands of Nathaniel B Borden Esq of Fall River Representative to Congress Certain Papers Consisting of three Commissions and a discharge granted to the said Jonathan Drown during the Revolutionary war accompanied by a petition of the said Sarah Drown for some Relief in consequence of Services Rendered to the United States by her Husband (the said Jonathan Drown) during the Revolution; that, according to the best of his Recollection his first Commission as Lieutenant was dated the fore part of July Seventeen hundred and Seventy five and the Second Commission as Lieutenant was dated some time in the fore part of the year Seventeen hundred and Seventy six and the Third Commission as Captain was dated the first day of January Seventeen hundred and Seventy seven and his discharge was dated the fifth day of October Seventeen hundred and Seventy eight these dates are according to the best of his Recollection the said Commissions was signed by John Hancock and the discharge he thinks by Gen. Sullivan he further positively sayeth that from the date of his first Commission to the date of his discharge was more than three years and that his discharge was by his own Request
Bristol ss
September 24 th 1836
Joshua Drown
Then the above named Joshua Drown personally appeared and made Oath in due form of law that the foregoing declaration by him subscribed is true
Before me
Abiahatr White Justice of the Peace
I hereby Certify that the above named Joshua Drown is a Credible witness and that his Testimony is entitled to full Credit
Abiahatr White Justice of the Peace
I hereby Certify that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of the original now in my hands and that the same was made before it was signed as shown to Esq Joshua Drown Abiahatr White Justice of the Peace

Attendant of Nathaniel D. Burden

State of Massachusetts
Bristol County ss.
I Nathaniel B Borden of Fall River in said County do make oath and say that on or near the last of November one thousand eight hundred and thirty five Mr Joshua Drown then of Rehoboth but now of Taunton in said County of Bristol, delivered to me some papers accompanying the petition of Sarah Drown, consisting of three different commissions, and a discharge of Jonathan Drown, two of the commissions constituting him Lieutenant, and one a Captain in the Revolutionary Army, and were signed by John Hancock, but by whom the discharge was signed I do not remember. The petition of said Sarah Drown, was to Congress for relief in consideration of the services of the said Jonathan Drown, her husband, in said war, and was by me presented in the House of Representatives at Washington some time during the last winter, but in consequence of the particular request of Mr Joshua Drown that the commissions and discharge be returned to him again they were not presented with the petition, but were handed to the Committee, to which the petition was referred, in person, with a request that they be returned me again, since which I have not seen them, but presume they may be found at the Capitol in the City of Washington.
Nathaniel B Borden
Bristol ss. Sept. 20 th 1836. Then the above named Nathaniel B. Borden appeared and made oath in due form of law that the above declaration by him signed is true.
Before me James Ford Justice of the Peace
I hereby certify that Nathaniel B. Borden is a credible witness and his testimony is entitled to full credit.
James Ford Justice of the Peace Commonwealth of Massachusetts } ss Bristol County
I James Street Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the said County of Bristol certify that James Ford is a Justice of the Peace now in Commission in and for said County, and the above signatures purporting to be his are genuine, In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court this twenty sixth day of September Eighteen hundred and thirty six J. Street

I Joshua Brown of Taunton in the County of Bristol and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, aged Fifty six — years, do testify and say that I am the son of the late Jonathan Brown & Sarah his wife — That my father the said Jonathan Brown died in Eighteen hundred and seven or eight, as I verily believe; and that my mother the said Sarah Brown is now living in Rehoboth in said County of Bristol, and has remained a widow ever since the decease of her said husband —
Oct. 31 - 1837 Joshua Brown
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Bristol ss. October 31. 1837 ————— Joshua Brown, a credible witness made oath to the above affidavit by him signed Before me A Bassett Just. of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts - Bristol ss: I Annah Barrett Register of the Court of Probate in for said County do hereby certify that Samuel Mark Alurion Bartlett are Justices of the Peace in and for said County and that the signatures to the foregoing certificate purporting to be theirs, are genuine -
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & the seal of said Court this fourth day of November eighteen hundred & thirty seven
A. Basset

Rehoboth, Town Clerks office, September the 14 th 1836. I hereby certify, that it appears from the records in this office, that Jonathan Drown and Sarah Wheeler, was Married, on the twenty third day of January A.D, 1771. duly examined by me. Cyrus M. Wheaton Town Clerk.
Bristol ss September 24 th 1836
Then personally appeared the above named Cyrus M Wheaton and made oath in due form of law that he is and was the Town Clerk of Rehoboth at the time of giving the above Certificate and that said certificate is true
Before me Abiathar White } Justice of the Peace State of Massachusetts } Bristol County }
Cyrus M Wheaton of Rehoboth in said County of Bristol Yeoman maketh oath and saith that he has been acquainted with Sarah Drown above named of said Rehoboth for the space of about thirty years past and that she has not been married since that time Cyrus M. Wheaton
Bristol ss September 24 th 1836
Then the above named Cyrus M Wheaton personally appeared and made oath in due form of law that the foregoing declaration by him subscribed is true
Before me Abiathar White Justice of the Peace
I hereby certify that the above named Cyrus M Wheaton is a Credible Witness and that his testimony is Entitled to full Credit
Abiathar White Justice of the Peace
I hereby certify that the records above named of said Rehoboth and about seven years since before it was signed or sworn to by Cyrus M Wheaton. Abiathar White Justice of the Peace

State of Massachusetts } ss County of Bristol } ss
I Abiathar White a Magistrate in the Court above named, do hereby Certify that I have been acquainted with Cyrus M. Wheaton for ten years past and that I have personal knowledge that the said Cyrus M. Wheaton was duly Elected and qualified as Town Clerk of the Town of Rehoboth in the month of March last. I also have personal knowledge that the within signatures purporting to be his are his genuine signatures, for he wrote them in my presence
Given under my hand at Dighton on the twenty-sixth day of December. Eighteen hundred and thirty-six
Abiathar White Justice of the Peace
Town Clerk's Certificate.
Hon. N. B. Fordham H. R.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts } ss County of Bristol
I James Spratt Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the said County of Bristol Certify that Abiathar White is a Justice of the Peace now in Commission in and for said County; and that the Signatures purporting to be his attached to the affidavits of Cyrus M Wheaton and the Certificates Certifying the Credibility and Office of the said Cyrus W Wheaton are his genuine Signatures which Affidavits and Certificates are all on one piece of Paper and are hereunto annexed
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court this twenty sixth day of December Eighteen hundred and thirty six Jas. Spratt

John 29 38 Cover Small Draw Martha Drew
Rebates (M) pay 1245
Free
Hon. J. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions. Washington. D. C.

Dear Sir:
Waukegan January 23, 2. 1838.
I take the liberty to address you respecting the situation of the Pensioners, who did employ me to get their Pensions at the Pension Office in Boston. After my Mother, Sarah Drown had received her new Certificate, I went to Boston to get the money, and found the Pension Agent was deceased, Mr Stone the Clerk was in the Office as usual, and gave me a Check upon the Commonwealth's Bank, I received the Money, returned home, delivered it to my Mother, took her receipt, and in less than a week, and before she had an opportunity to lay it out for articles necessary for her comfort & subsistence through the winter it was reported that said Bank had failed, and the money would not buy. I immediately wrote a letter to Mr. Stone stating that if the Bills of said Bank were not current in Boston, I requested him to give up the Power of Attorney and my receipts and take back the money, as he had done once before, so that my Mother's Claim might stand fair against Government, which I thought would be no injury to any one; or if he had Bills of other Banks that were current I should like to receive them in exchange. The reason why I thought such a course might be adopted I perceived that Mr Stone and the Cashier of the Bank appeared to be officiated together in the Pension Business. I soon received in substance the following communication. "As Mr Stone is quite unwell, I therefore take the liberty to state that the confusion into which the Commonwealth's Bank has been thrown is in consequence of recent events. With regard to the Bills of this Bank I think there can be no doubt that every dollar will be ultimately paid in full." signed by Fredk Wm. Bridges. All those persons who empowered me to get their Pensions for them last fall, received this Money, and no doubt many of them have kept some of it on hand to lay out as their necessities require, which places them in an unpleasant situation, but they have some encouragement for relief, for I have understood since the above communication that the Brokers in Boston are buying up the Money of said Bank at fifty per cent discount, this very forcibly impresses upon the minds of the pensioners their former sufferings in consequence of the failure of the old Continental Money.
I will now explain what I meant in my communication to Mr Stone by his taking back the Money as he did once before. After I had written last fall to the Hon. Commissioner of Pensions respecting the pay being stopped to those Persons who empowered me to receive their Pensions, I received from Mr. Stone the following communication. "A letter has just been received from the Commissioner of Pensions explaining his former directions so that payment can be made in nearly all your cases." I then went in great haste to Boston to get the money, and by the request of the Pensioners,

who said they were afraid paper Money would run down I enquired, if they would pay the Specie. Mr Stone said No. for the Government has not furnished us with any to pay this year. I then enquired if I could be supplied with Specie enough to make change to each Pensioner which would be about Ten dollars. He said you may try and see if you can get it. Then after examining the Powers of the Male Pensioners I presented the Widows Powers, which were all suspended except Mrs. Sarah Brown, they did not consider her suspended by any instructions which had been received. I was asked who assisted her in getting her Certificate, I replied, Abiathar White, but if you pay her pension, and if it should not all prove to be right, I will return the money. The Agent then said to his Clerk, you may pay him. I then received three checks on the Bank which I presented and then requested that they would pay me specie enough to make change to each Pensioner, and all the specie they would pay was the change on each check which was One dollar and thirty two cents. I then returned home, and the next morning started to pay the Pensioners. I had occasion to call at Rehoboth Post Office to get fractional Bills to make change, and then received a letter from the Hon. Commissioner of Pensions, which stated that Mrs. Sarah Brown's Pension was suspended. I called on her that day and informed her of the situation of her case; and considering the obligation I was under in consequence of what I had told the Pension Agent I carried back the money and took up my Power and receipts.
The Pensioners in my section are many of them poor and will need their Pensions when they become due in March next. Therefore in their behalf I humbly request that such arrangements may be made that the payment of their Pensions may not be delayed, and that it may be in such currency as will be safe. I beg leave to be excused for trespassing so much upon your time and patience, but I felt desirous of informing the Hon. Commissioner of Pensions something in relation to the situation of the Pensioners &c.

I have been informed by some of the Heirs of M c Martha Drown now deceased that Abiathar White sent to the War Department evidence to establish her claim to a Pension, and there has been no information received respecting it. I beg leave to enquire whether there has been sufficient evidence produced (if true) to entitle her to a pension and if so I wish to be informed whether her children now living, can draw it up to the time of her decease, if they can, they wish to know what course to take in order to obtain it. whether it is necessary to make a new declaration signed by all her children now living, or whether they can empower some one to sign for them. If it appears there is any chance for them to obtain the Pension and if it is necessary to make proof de novo, I request that her papers may be returned to me that they may be some guide in obtaining evidence.
Please to give me some information respecting this case as soon as convenient.
Hon. J. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions.
Joshua Drown

Jan 16
J. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Washington City
M c B. Baden #2

Washington City Jan. 14 th - 1837
Dear Sir
I have the honour of receiving your communication of yesterday's date, relating to the Service of Capt Jonathan Drown and to the Commissions which were by me laid before the Committee of the House of Representatives, on Revolutionary Pensions at the last Session of Congress. I am sorry to have to inform you that I have made diligent search and enquiry for these Commissions, but have not been able to find them. If I understand Mrs Drown's Agent aright, however, they claim only for two years Service, of which as appears by your communication you have evidence. I am of opinion therefore that a certificate had better be issued without further delay.
J. L. Edwards Esq.
Most Respectfully Your Obedt Servant N B Borden
P.S. Please forward me Mr Cornelius Davis' Certificate as soon as convenient
N B Borden

Nov 8
J. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions
Washington - D. C.

Fauntler Mass. Nov. 4. 1837
Sir. Accompanying this is the 2 d application of Sarah French Widow of Capt. Jonathan Brown late of Rehoboth, deceased, for a pension — Any communication you may please to make relative thereto, may be made to me —
Also the Pension Certificate which issued on the first application of Mrs Brown is herewith returned to you —
Very Respectfully Yours O. A. Lord — A Basset
H. Edwards Esq Commissioner of Pensions Washington —

Sarah Drown W o of Jona. Drown
Bristol County Massachusetts
Abner Taunton

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Secretary's Office Oct. 21. 1837
I hereby certify that it appears by an original document remaining in this office, that Jonathan Drown was in service as a Captain in Col. H. Jackson's Mass. Regiment from January 1. 1777 to Oct. 5. 1778, when he was honorably discharged.
Witness my hand and the Seal of the State.
John P. Bigelow Depy Secy to Com'te

Commonwealth of Massachusetts — Bristol ss —
On this second day of November Eighteen hundred and thirty seven, before John M. Williams a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas for the Commonwealth aforesaid, personally appeared Sarah Brown , a resident of Rehoboth in the County of Bristol aforesaid, aged eighty eight years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth in her oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress, passed July 4. 1836:
That she is the widow of Jonathan Brown late of Rehoboth aforesaid, deceased, who was an Officer, duly commissioned, in the Army of the Revolution for two years and more.
She further says, as she verily believes, that the said Jonathan Brown, was commissioned, and served in the Revolutionary War, as a Captain, from January first, Seventeen hundred and seventy seven to between the fifth Seventeen hundred and seventy-eight —

She further says, as she verily believes, that the said Jonathan Brown served as a Lieutenant in the Army of the Revolution three months or more, in seventeen hundred and seventy six, under Capt. James Perry or some other Captain — And she refers to the ancient documents appended to a former declaration, by her made, for a pension, supposed now to be in the Office of the Secretary of War; and also to the records recently loaned said Secretary of War, by the Legislature of Massachusetts, for proof of this service —
She further declares that she was married to the said Jonathan Brown in January Seventeen hundred and seventy one; That her husband, the aforesaid Jonathan Brown died at Alexandria, in Virginia, in the latter part of the year eighteen hundred and seven or in the early part of the year eighteen hundred and eight, as she has heard and verily believes — And that she has remained a widow ever since that period, as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed — Sarah Brown

sworn to, and subscribed on the day and year first above written —
Before
John M. Williams
} A Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
I John M. Williams, a Judge as aforesaid residing in Taunton, in the County of Bristol aforesaid, do hereby certify, that Sarah Brown the above applicant for a pension, cannot, by reason of bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
John M. Williams
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Bristol ss. I James Sprague Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, in said County of Bristol, do hereby certify that John M. Williams, whose signature is affixed to the above Certificate, is a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts — In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this fourth day of November eighteen hundred & thirty four J. Sprague

Dec 5 1871
Ms A. 9. 2. 26 H. 1873 36
J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions City of Washington
District of Columbia

North Dighton, November 28 th 1836
Sir I herewith return the papers of Mrs Betsy Richmond and Mary Edy which are authenticated; and additional proof obtained as to the time of Samuel Edy's Enlistment; I should be pleased to have a return as soon as convenient; I have been informed (within a few days) by a friend of Mr Richmond that he has heard him say that he served in the grade of a lieutenant (as a substitute in a short Campaign after he was discharged from the Regular army but it is probable that no proof can be obtained in the case
Mrs Sarah Drown is very anxious to hear from her declaration as it has been in the office a long time and nothing has been heard only that it had arrived; The reason it was not drawn exactly according to the form prescribed by the department is I had no form to go by until after her declaration was sent on to Washington; Should that make any difference Pleas to give me the necessary information and Return her papers
Jane Spicker's papers I shall retain a few days in order to get the required proof if it can be obtained; the Affidavit of Major Hodijah Baylies I thought was enough to establish his service according to the Rule number Seven; the Court was also of the same opinion; if the Massachusetts Records and Rolls were not removed from Boston to Washington the required proof could easily be obtained; If no further proof can be obtained only from the Rolls; I know not what can be done as it is probable that before the Rolls are returned to Massachusetts she will be no more; if the only means of making the required proof is thus kept from her you would confer a favor on her and much oblige me if you would be so good.
This part I have not answered by O.D.C. 5 Dec. 1836

good as to inform me what can be done Satisfaction can be given as to her marriage as an other witness has been obtained within a few days and Satisfaction can can be given as to the Records of the Town
I am Respectfully Your obt serv
Abiaathar White
Hon.
J. L. Edsards Commissioner of Pensions City of Washington

1775 apl. Colt's Sargt. Bradford 2001 L Smith — Lair until 1778 here McCorn in Sept July 1775 Japan early 1776. Capt Cummings Star, 17778. dued Oct. 5. 1778.
Wrote to the Clerk of the House of Reps for the Japan sent on in 1835 by Mr. Brown

Payment to be made at Boston, Mass. a by Resdt Commonwealth Bk Agent for paying Pension= ers, in the Agency of Massachusetts
Issued new Certificate for 21 mo. 6 d. Capt 2. 24. Lieut 24 " $461.33 -
Att. N. B. Borden Recorded in the Pension Office, in Books & Vol. 1 Ho. Rep. Page by H. H. Addison Clerk.

WAR DEPARTMENT.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.
I certify that, in conformity with the 3d section of the law of the United States, of the 4th July, 1836, Sarah Brown of Massachusetts widow of Jonathan Brown decd. who was a Lieutenant & Captain in the War of the Revolution
is entitled to receive Four hundred & forty one dollars and thirty six cents per annum, during the time she may remain unmarried, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March and 4th of September.
Given at the War Office, of the United States, this 18 th day of January one thousand eight hundred and thirty-Seven
J. P. Kirtland Secretary of War ad interim
Examined and Countersigned. S
J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.

Name of Rep?
Washington Jan'y 25 th 1871
In re: Estate of Com v of Rev d
Sir Will you furnish for my examination the following Pension for per? - I have the honor to be Your obed t Oliver Howland
1 Sarah Drown widow of Jonathan Drown of Mass - Act 1836 - 389 2 Bathiah Dyer widow of Charles Dyer of Mass - Act 1836 - 592 3 Rachel Hester widow of Simon Hester of Mass - Act 1836 - 243 4 Hannah George widow of Thomas George of Mass - Act of 1836.
(2982)

July Hon.
J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions City of Washington
District of Columbia

North Dighton July 4 th 1837
Sir
By the Request of Mrs Sarah Brown widow of Jonathan Brown I now write to you. She is not Satisfied with the time you allowed her a Pension for the Service of her husband. your Letter to me upon that Subject Says you allowed 18 months and 6 days as Captain and 5 months and 24 days as Lieutenant. She Says he Served 21 months and odd days as Captain. I have Examined Some papers Left by Capt Brown which is Positive Proof (in my mind and I think it would be in yours) that he was was Commissioned on the first day of January 1777 as Captain and was discharged (or Continued in the Service as Captain) the first of October 1778 in addition to this there is a Gentleman who was very Conversant with his papers before his Commission, were Lost and will Testify that his Commission as Captain was dated January 1 st 1777 and his discharge was dated Oct 5 th 1778 She wishes to know if she cannot be allowed for this Service if the above Proof is Sent to your office his Commission was Sent to Washington with a petition for Some Relief in the autumn of 1835 and was Left by N B Borden with the Committee on Revolution Pensions Since that time nothing Can be found of them though diligent Enquiry has been made Please write me the particulars
Hon J L Edwards I am Sir your O bt Servant Commissioner of Pensions Abiah White

North Dighton Ms Free 50 Nov. March - 21
Mar 27 J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions City of Washington
Dr. Branch
District of Columbia

North Dighton March 20 th 1837
Sir
I understand there has been some alteration in the Pension Law but have not been able to learn what, If you will be so good as to inform me Either by Letter, or the act itself, or any other proper way you will confer a favour on me, and do a kindness to those Concerned—
Six or Eight weeks Since I sent to the Pension department the papers of Mr Ezra Chase, and Mrs Mercy Perry, the parties Concerned are anxious to know the Result of your determination upon them Pleas be so good as to write me word
I am Earnestly Requested by those interested to ask a few questions, you will much oblige me and confer a favour on them if you will be so good as to answer them, and first in the Case of Mrs Sarah Brown how much time as Captain and how much time as Lieutenant was there allowed her, it appears (although his Commissions are lost) that there can be proof of more time than there has been allowed, there can be proof made of 21 months and 4 days service as Captain and more than one year service as Lieutenant, in Case such proof can be made to your Satisfaction will it be necessary for her to make a new declaration or will it be allowed on her former declaration, Pleas to state whether the Exact time you have allowed her as Captain and the time you allowed as Lieutenant
Mrs Martha Rounds of Swansey is anxious to know whether you have Examined her papers (they were sent on by A Bassett last fall and she has heard nothing since) if more proof is Required she wishes you to write me word what it is and she will try to obtain it
Mr Thomas Rose of Dighton who now draws a small Pension says that he Served as a seaman one month in the Ship Tarter but it was not put into his declaration he says they first designed to go a Privateering from Boston, but an Expedition was fitting out in order to take Penobscot (which was then in the hands of the British and they joined them and was paid by the government for their Service which was one month after that they went a Privateering if he can prove these statements to your Satisfaction and send on a new declaration will you allow it
Pleas be so good as to write me and answer Each of the above questions and you will oblige your
To the Hon. J. L. Edmonds Commissioner of Pensions
Obt Servant Abiathar White

Wid. File 27.408 Jonathan Drown.
Continental Mass.
A copy of a muster roll Capt. Jonathan Drown's co, Col. Gamaliel Bradford's regt., dated Apr. and May 1777.
A copy of a ration roll of part of Capt. Jonathan Drown's co. Col. Gam e Bradford's regt of Foot, dated Boston, June 16. 1777.
A muster roll of the 3 d Detachment of Col. Lee's regt. under command of Capt. Jonathan Drown from Apr. 30, 1778 to July 1. 1778
A muster roll of Capt. Jonathan Drown's co Lt. Col. W m S. Smith's regt of Foot for Aug. 1778.
A receipt for wages for carpenters work done on Barracks for Col. Sargant's regt., signed by a number of men, dated Boston Nov. 22 1775.
An order addressed to Capt. Drown Col. W. R. Lee's regt. signed Jon s Pollard dated Boston June 1. 1778
These papers have been removed
to Mr. Pollard over

From this case and will be forwarded to the War Dept.
MBH
June 9. 1911

The Connecticut Mutual Life Ins. Co.
OF HARTFORD.
JOHN W. DROWN, SPECIAL AGENT, ROOM 22, 476 MAIN STREET, WORCESTER, MASS.
Worcester, Mass., Nov. 30 1895
Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:
In the census of Pensioners (1840) under Taunton, Bristol Co., Mass. appears the name of Sarah Drown.
Will you kindly send me the history of the soldier for whose service this pension was granted, and greatly oblige.
Yours truly, John W. Drown.

Jonathan Drown, Rehoboth, Mass.
Appears with rank of Lieutenant on Muster Roll of Capt. James Keith's Company, Col. Sargent's Regiment, dated August 16, 1775.
Time of enlistment,
July 9, 1775.
Time of service, 23 days.
Town to which soldier belonged,
Rehoboth.
Eight Months Service, Vol. 15 Page 49.
Mass. Archives.

Appears with rank of Lieutenant on Company Return of Captain Keith's Co., Col. Sargent's Reg't. Town to which soldier belonged, Rehoboth.
Date not given, probably October returns 1775.
Coat Rolls; Eight Months Service. Vol. 56 Page 190. Mass. Archives.

Worcester, Mass.
Jany. 24, 1896.
Hon. Wm. Lochren, Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:-
Having recently had occasion to again consult your Dept., with the most satisfactory results, the writer desires to again return thanks for courtesies received.
Your record of the service of my ancestor being rather indefinite for the year 1775 , I take the liberty of enclosing herewith a copy of what appears for that year in the "Mass. Archives" or military records of our State, trusting it may perhaps assist someone in the future. I remain, Sir,
Very respectfully yours,
John W. Drown.